Dennis M. Gilhooly

Dennis M. Gilhooly, of Stanfordville, New York, was born and raised in the Bronx by Agnes and Peter Gilhooly. After graduating from Fordham University, he began a decade-long career of public service to the people of New York.

Dennis served as a New York State Trooper in Dutchess County and Long Island. Then, in 1981, he followed in his father’s footsteps to join the FDNY, beginning in busy Engine 75 in the Bronx. When promoted to fire marshal, he worked in the Bronx as an arson investigator. In 1991, he was promoted to lieutenant and led the firefighters of Engine 67 in Washington Heights. After the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, Dennis was promoted to captain and worked in the recovery effort at the World Trade Center. After suffering a stroke in 2001, he served as a police-fire liaison before retiring in 2004.

In addition to his full-time service, Dennis served in the New York Air National Guard for 22 years, retiring as a master sergeant. He joined the Stanford Fire Company in 1987, serving for 33 years as a firefighter, lieutenant, and commissioner.

While a hero to many during his career, he was a hero to his children from day one. He made it a priority to be present for their athletic, academic, and personal achievements, always with his video camera in tow.

Known for his kindness and dry wit, he was there to “patiently” support his wife, Laura, who encouraged him to join her for a myriad of “volunteer” projects. She was by his side every step of the way in his long battle with cancer, during which they both showed great strength.

Dennis left the Bronx to live a quiet life in the country. He loved the beautiful land of Dutchess County and lived for deer hunting season with his brothers and friends. In 2005, he was diagnosed with cancer related to his service at the World Trade Center. He battled fiercely for the last three years before passing away peacefully with his family by his side.

Dennis is survived by his wife of 45 years, Laura; his children, Luke (Gabrielle), Ian (Amanda), and Tara (Garvey). Grandpa/PopPop/Babu found absolute joy in his grandchildren, Maya, Peter, Penelope, Knox, Noah, and Ayla, with two more to come, Isabelle and Ronan. He is greatly missed by his siblings, Jeanne (Jon), Nancy (Tim), Peter (Mary), Dean (Kari), and Stephen (Amy); and 32 nieces and nephews. His life was made richer by his longtime friends and those he met along the road of a life well lived.